ROTHBURY, MI – June 20th-23rd, 2024 marks the annual return of Electric Forest at the Double J Resort in Rothbury, Michigan. Welcoming an estimated 40,000-50,000 attendees, musicians, artists, vendors, and staff, Electric Forest is a vibrant hub of collective joy, creativity, and community—an experience often hard to encapsulate in mere words.
As a long-time Forest veteran, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the festival from multiple perspectives. Some years, I’ve immersed myself as an attendee, soaking in the sights and sounds. Other years, I’ve had the opportunity to work as staff, witnessing the intricate behind-the-scenes efforts that bring this magical event to life. These diverse experiences have instilled in me a profound love for the festival and all of the enchanting elements that contribute to its unique atmosphere, as well as a deep appreciation for the people who infuse it with so much spirit and wonder.
Through my years of attendance, I’ve learned that while the music is undeniably thrilling, Electric Forest offers so much more beyond its soundscape. The festival is a treasure trove of adventures waiting to be discovered. From the mesmerizing art installations that transform the forest into a living art gallery, the Prize Cart, a scavenger hunt, and so much more– the festival is teeming with opportunities for exploration and wonder.
In this article, you’ll find a guide filled with tips and information on some of the various side quests you can embark on while navigating the festival grounds. These activities offer a chance to delve deeper into the heart of Electric Forest, uncovering hidden gems and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned Forest-goer, there’s always something new and magical to discover. Make sure you also download the Electric Forest App to set up your music schedule and stay updated with all of the latest EF news!
Side Quest: Forest Fairy Doors
The magic of the fairy doors scattered throughout the forest is one of the most enchanting aspects of Electric Forest. Created by The Engineer Artisans, these installations have become a beloved tradition, delighting attendees year after year. Each door is a whimsical, intricate creation that sparks the imagination and adds a touch of fairy-tale wonder to the festival. We can’t wait to see what new creations they’ve cooked up this year!
Finding the fairy doors is an adventure in itself. To locate these magical little homes, you need to look everywhere—up, down, and all around. The fairies have hidden their homes in some of the most unexpected places throughout Sherwood Forest. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander, and remember that the joy of discovery is part of the experience. No corner of the forest is off-limits, and each door you find will feel like uncovering a hidden treasure.
The tradition of “take something, leave something” has become a cherished part of interacting with the fairy doors. Attendees leave little gifts for each other and the artists, creating a sense of community and shared magic. If you find a fairy door, feel free to leave a small token and perhaps take something left by another festival-goer, contributing to the ongoing enchantment of Electric Forest.
The fairy doors are more than just art—they are a symbol of the creativity, generosity, and sense of wonder that define Electric Forest. So, as you explore the festival grounds, take a moment to search for these hidden gems and immerse yourself in the magic they bring to the forest.
Side Quest: Luminarias
Luminarias are dedicated to spirits whom we welcome to join us in the forest. They serve as messages to the people with us in spirit, representing the stories of where our journeys diverged, embodied in the form of LED candles and art. Found in the peaceful Spirit Center within the forest, luminarias light the night with the love and comfort of those unable to join us at Electric Forest. This beautiful tradition allows festival-goers to honor and remember loved ones, creating a serene and heartfelt space within the vibrant festival environment.
The ambiance and visual spectacle of the Luminaria are truly breathtaking. As night falls, the Spirit Center transforms into a glowing haven of remembrance and peace. The flickering LED candles, combined with the intricate art, create a mesmerizing display that invites quiet reflection and connection. The soft, warm light of the luminarias casts a comforting glow, making the Spirit Center a tranquil sanctuary amidst the energetic pulse of the festival.
If you’re looking to add a luminaria to the Spirit Center, it is recommended to do so during the daytime when you can take your time to make it as personal and meaningful as you need. However, the luminarias and the spirits they represent truly come alive in the evening. This is the perfect time to visit the Spirit Center, sit in the glow of memories, and honor the spirits with a moment of reflection and love.
The Luminarias at Electric Forest are more than just an art installation—they are a poignant reminder of the connections that transcend beyond physical presence. It allows attendees to bring a piece of their personal story into the festival, adding depth and emotional resonance to the Electric Forest experience.
Side Quest: The Dream Emporium
The Dream Emporium is a new installment that made its debut in 2023, quickly becoming a highlight of Electric Forest. This massive, interactive, and fully immersive art installation is a wild world of rooms offering different sensory experiences and activities around every corner. Imagine walking through portals into endlessly wacky worlds—this is the essence of the Dream Emporium.
Describing the Dream Emporium is no easy task, as it is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. The best way to convey its magic is to compare it to stepping through portals into fantastical realms. Inside, you’ll find an outer space karaoke bar, sexy puppet shows, and even a wrestling ring. These are just a few of the quirky and captivating features you might encounter. Each visit promises new surprises and moments of absolute randomness. So, make sure to step inside and find your unique experience in this extraordinary installation.
Side Quest: The Brainery
Each year, the Forest Family comes together to learn from and be inspired by each other at The Brainery. This space is dedicated to fostering intentional learning through a variety of workshops and classes taught by members of the Forest Family, for the Forest Family. At The Brainery, attendees can unite through movement, play, crafts, panel discussions, meditation, meet-ups, and more– creating a vibrant community of shared knowledge and growth.
Located on Main Street, The Brainery hosts events, discussions, panels, and other fun gatherings throughout the entire weekend. To make the most of your experience, keep an eye on the Electric Forest app for up-to-date schedules and detailed information about the workshops and sessions available. This app will help you find sessions that interest you and fit your schedule, ensuring you don’t miss out on the enriching experiences The Brainery has to offer. Whether you’re looking to learn something new, engage in meaningful conversations, or simply meet new friends, The Brainery has something for everyone. So, make sure to stop by and see what this incredible space has to offer!
Side Quest: Prize Cart
The Prize Cart is an integral part of the Electricology Green Team Program at Electric Forest. This program is dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness of the festival grounds during and after the event. The Prize Cart offers a variety of exciting prizes for eco-minded festival-goers who actively help keep the grounds clean. These rewards range from exclusive merchandise and memorabilia to coveted festival passes and unique experiences.
The thrill of the Prize Cart lies not only in the rewards but also in the communal spirit and sense of accomplishment that comes from participating in a collective effort to maintain the festival’s beauty. Be on the lookout for The Prize Cart as it makes its rounds across the festival grounds. Typically, it appears near the main stages and popular areas where large crowds gather. As the headlining sets end each night, the Prize Cart rolls out in style, rewarding those who have dedicated their efforts to preserving the festival grounds.
You can find more detailed information and to listen to the official Prize Cart remixes for 2024 and learn more about Prize Cart here. This resource provides comprehensive details on how to participate, the types of prizes available, and tips for maximizing your chances of winning.
Never Stop Exploring!
As you prepare for your journey into Electric Forest, remember that the magic lies not just in the music but in the people you meet, the friends you came with, the myriads of side quests and all of the little moments awaiting you. These grounds are special, and there is something powerful created by Electric Forest that absolutely cannot be experienced anywhere else. There’s so much more to explore and adventures to find, but I hope this article inspires you to Choose Your Side Quest!
Thank you to Electric Forest for providing media assets. More information about Electric Forest 2024 can be found at www.electricforest.com
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Written by Kendalyn Liebzeit
